Women: Fit at Fifty

By the time we reach our fifties, it is easy to feel that we are past the point where it matters if we stay active and fit. It may seem that the important years have passed by. The thought of beginning an exercise routine for a person who has never been particularly active or for someone who has let their activities slide, may be daunting. Many women begin to think that it just does not matter because of how “old” they are. However, at the age of fifty there are so many years left to live and staying active will help to maintain a productive and healthy life through these years.

There is extensive research that has indisputably shown that exercise at any age, but especially as we get older, is essential to ward off disease, delay age related decline and to live longer. We know that the human body undergoes predictable physiological changes as we age. Some of these are obvious, like wrinkles developing on our faces and breasts which begin to sag while some are less obvious such as decreased elasticity of blood vessels and decline in lung function. It is well documented that routine physical activity can minimize some of the internal changes that occur and at least in part, prevent the development of chronic diseases.

In regards to fitness, there are three main types of women. First, there are those who have adopted healthy life style behaviors to include a controlled diet and regular exercise. If you are in that group and are reading this book, it may be because you desire to learn more or to reinforce the benefits of your commitment. The second group includes those who do not habitually practice these behaviors. People in this group may not be interested or motivated to change their habits for any number of reasons. Those of you in this group who are reading this book may be curious yet not ready to believe these changes are worthwhile. Hopefully, after a few chapters you will become a believer.

The third group is those in the middle. This group generally includes women who want to change or know they should but they have not quite figured out how to get started. Perhaps you want to begin an exercise routine and just need the push to start. Perhaps you are exercising a little and now need the impetus to help you stick with it. Maybe you want to incorporate diet control strategies as you increase your exercise regime. Some of you may have recently been diagnosed with a condition that can be controlled with life style changes. If you are in this third group, keep reading. The strategies in these chapters will help you achieve your goals.

The following chapters detail how healthy life style choices affect heart disease, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, and pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and arthritis. Effective strategies to help you get started to make changes are covered in several other chapters. The stories of real women who have either been affected by disease or have struggled to find a healthier way are presented to show that we all face the same challenges.

Think of an older woman who is active and still fit for her age. Undoubtly, you know a family member, friend, coworker or someone in your community like this. Think about how she has lived their life and what she does today to stay in shape. It is likely the level of activity has slowed some, but she still keeps moving. For many older individuals, it is all they know. It is a way of life. It is this way of life that this book has attempted to inspire in you. No matter what you take from this or how much you change, do something, start moving and keep moving. . This is the only life you have, cherish it my friends.